God, he is so barbaric. What tree has he fallen from?Eleanor rolls her eyes, which makes me laugh for real, and Malik only shrugs. I love the way he never gets offended by Liam's disturbing remarks. Such a lovely friendship they share."Who wants to go swimming in Miami?" Malik makes a dramatic inquiry."I do." Sam raises her hand immediately.And I . . . well, I follow suit.Malik smiles triumphantly. "See, brother? Winner takes all," he rubs it in, and Liam frowns."You should loosen up a bit, honey. What's the point of taking a leave if you're only going to confine yourself in this country house?" Eleanor says in a motherly way, but someone doesn't flinch a muscle."Don't worry, Aunt," Malik says. "I'll just cancel his ticket."I don't know why, but I always find them like two little boys who love bickering to one another.And it's kind of cute.Watching Mr. Intense sulking is as if I'm seeing the younger version of himself that I wish I knew. I

I run my fingers through my curls, searching for an intelligent response. "What is it that you want, Mr. Darcy?" is the only thing I come up with.How lame! My subconscious tuts.Liam's eyes glow amorously, shutting the distance between us. I blaze inside, my blood thrumming riotously. I should move . . . but my legs refuse."I want you, isn't it obvious?" Liam whispers hoarsely."Huh?" Damn, he's really making me lose my mind. I gulp at his mocking and godly look that devours the tremble of my lips."And I know you want me, too," he remarks confidently, grazing his thumb on my mouth. Fuck! "However, I don't understand why you're pushing me away, and I can't stand it,” he breathes against my neck and it feels quiet electrifying, lascivious in my part.I can feel his heartbeat . . . and mine takes a dangerous pace. Oh yes, I want him, now, right in this place, but I'll never admit."I ca

I need to change into something comfortable. A sleeping robe? No, maybe a T-shirt dress, I decide. When done, I climb on my bed, that's extremely comfortable, ready to call it a day.Or maybe not yet, because a knock at the door flips my body over."Who is it?" I ask while fixing myself up."It's me." Liam's voice hits my senses, and I shriek.God, what does he want now?"Just a sec," I tell him hurriedly, trying hard to wipe off my stupid grin. How do I look? I put my messy curls presentable.Just pathetic and horny! My subconscious answers with glee, enjoying my torments.With a sigh, I open the door."I came to say goodnight," Liam says while shutting the door."Oh really? I hope you do such a nice gesture to everyone, right?" I blush big time, folding my arms across my chest."Not really, I'm not that generous," Liam says with an exhausted sigh, his sexy eyes s

I pause for a second, watching her. I wish I could tell her that Liam is the one I'm crazy about but I don't have the guts to; call me chicken, coward, and all other names to fit the scenario, but this is it. I can't do it."Yeah, we just get along fine, nothing more," I stipulate seriously. "And please don't insinuate this again, it's annoying," I add, moving back to my business."Sure, if you say so," Sam mutters, and I know she's still unconvinced. "I got a call from the office," she says, and I smell trouble."Why? What happened?" I ask warily."They were asking if I'm in L.A, that way they can trap me into an emergency work." She takes a seat on the barstool, and I place my arms on the countertop."They should go to hell.""I know, right?""Yes. They should find that bitchy assistant you hate so much." I laugh, and I'm sure I've landed myself a new topic.There's one colleague of hers an

I arch my brows. Just okay? I don't think he's excited at all, and I wonder what he really likes about his idea of having fun."You don't like beaches, do you?" I take my chances."I just don't have time for this." Liam smiles, but seems to really mean it."Oh come on, Liam! It's just once in a while, and you're on a vacation for Christ's sake!" I practically sound reproachful, and he seems amused. "You should seriously loosen up a bit, like what your mother said, work can wait sometimes.""Liam, huh?" He looks down at me, and I gawp. "I love it, Kira." He gives me his best smile.I've so forgotten about our infamous honorifics. I blush profusely."I mean, Mr. Darcy." I tease, and we both laugh. God, I love talking to him. "So you're not really happy being here, in the middle of this tropical paradise?" Our hands are constantly colliding, sending me a light shiver as our fingers graze."I'm only here becau